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diversion

Saturday February 8, 2025

February 8, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

The Ontario snap election should focus on Doug Ford's track record and governance rather than external distractions like Donald Trump.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 8, 2025

Accountability over Distraction in Ontario’s Snap Election

Canada's leaders at all levels must seize the opportunity to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers, strengthening the economy and ensuring resilience against global trade uncertainties.

February 6, 2025

As Ontario faces challenges from international pressures like those from Donald Trump, Premier Doug Ford has positioned himself as a leader ready to tackle these issues. While his efforts are notable, it’s important to remember that dealing with international trade is mainly a federal responsibility. This raises questions about the timing and focus of the snap election Ford has called.

Elections are a chance to discuss all the issues facing the province. Doug Ford should be held accountable for his record and answer the concerns of Ontarians directly, rather than shifting the focus to figures like Donald Trump.

Ford’s time in office has seen promises to improve housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and affordability. However, many of these promises remain unfulfilled. The ambitious goal of building 1.5 million homes has not been met, and significant infrastructure projects like highways are delayed.

Healthcare is still a major concern, with issues like emergency room closures and doctor shortages continuing, despite promises to increase staffing.

News: With Trump’s tariffs now on hold, will Ontario’s election campaign shift gears?

The RCMP investigation into the Greenbelt scandal underscores criticism that Doug Ford's government prioritizes developer interests over public participation and transparency, raising doubts about its commitment to addressing Ontario's affordable housing crisis while maintaining public trust and democratic values.

August 15, 2024

Additionally, Ford’s decisions, such as changes to the Greenbelt and spending on projects like Ontario Place, have led to public dissatisfaction, with many feeling that these actions benefit the wealthy more than the average Ontarian.

Feedback from readers reflects frustration with Ford’s approach to healthcare, education, and cost of living. People feel there’s a lack of understanding and empathy from the Premier.

As voters prepare to vote, it’s crucial to evaluate Doug Ford based on what he has done, not just what he says. The election is a chance for Ford to address these issues directly and offer real solutions, rather than diverting attention to other matters.

Let’s focus on Doug Ford’s track record, hold him accountable for his promises, and demand the action that Ontarians deserve.


By week’s end, TDS had set in, with every cartoon this week fixated on Trump. I know it sounds hypocritical for me, seemingly obsessed with Trump, but I’m a cartoonist, not the Premier. I’m aware of my boundaries, but Doug Ford seems ignorant of the responsibilities he holds within his jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Ontario’s provincial election quietly began, overshadowed by distractions. It’s as if Ford, like a cartoon hypnotist, swings a pendulum with Trump’s head, putting voters under a spell while pressing issues pile up behind him. Polls show it’s going to work.

As Ontario heads into week two of this election, it’s vital for voters to focus on Ford’s actual governance record, addressing housing, healthcare, and infrastructure challenges, among many other issue. Instead of being swayed by distractions, lets demand real solutions from Ford. I’m hopeful that next week allows for a clearer focus on pressing matters amidst the temporary reprieve from Trump’s theatrics.

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 8, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2025-03, accountability, distraction, diversion, Doug Ford, election, governance, healthcare, housing, hypnosis, infrastructure, leadership, Ontario, OntElection2025, promises, Substack, transparency, voters

Friday September 20, 2024

September 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Trump's outlandish proposal to redirect Canadian water to California, though absurd, serves as a reminder of the risks posed by American political influence seeping into Canadian discourse, especially when conservative politicians flirt with populist rhetoric.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 20, 2024

Link to the animated version.

Trump’s Imaginary Faucet: When Rhetoric Spills Over Into Canadian Politics

June 23, 2016

In a stump speech in California, Donald Trump recently painted a vivid picture of a “very large faucet” that would redirect Canada’s freshwater into the United States to combat wildfires. It’s a comical notion—both physically and politically impossible—but it hints at a deeper issue that Canadians should take seriously: the blurry line between foreign influence and interference, especially when American rhetoric starts to seep into Canadian political discourse.

News: Why Donald Trump wants to turn a ‘very large faucet’ to get Canadian freshwater

Trump’s “faucet” gaffe might seem like harmless bluster, the latest in a string of bizarre comments from a man known for his unorthodox speeches. But the idea of tapping into Canadian resources, even in jest, taps into real fears Canadians have about being muscled by their southern neighbour. And those fears aren’t unfounded. Although the Columbia River, which Trump likely refers to, could theoretically be diverted in the U.S. portion, Canada’s water has long been coveted. However, thanks to stringent legislation and international agreements, bulk water exports are banned for environmental reasons. So, no, California won’t be siphoning Canada’s water supply any time soon.

July 23, 2019

But why is this worth more than just a chuckle? Trump’s rhetoric—no matter how absurd—often has a way of trickling down into more serious discussions, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. For instance, it’s not entirely uncommon to see elements of Trumpism echoed in Canadian politics, especially among right-leaning politicians who tap into populist anger. Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, doesn’t embrace full Trumpism, but his style has drawn comparisons, even if his policies remain far more moderate.

August 25, 2016

This brings us to a critical distinction that Canadians need to make between influence and interference. Influence is something Canada has always faced, especially from its southern neighbour.

American pop culture, political movements, and economic trends have influenced Canadians for decades. Interference, on the other hand, refers to direct attempts by foreign actors—be it China, Russia, or even domestic meddling—to shape Canadian political outcomes covertly or illegally. The foreign interference inquiry currently underway in Canada underscores how serious this threat has become.

As Canada delves into an inquiry on foreign interference, the parallels between Pierre Poilievre and Donald Trump, including their mutual distrust of institutions, the media, and their overblown characterization of opponents as criminals, raise questions about their impact on the political landscape as the elections approach.

January 30, 2024

But as Poilievre navigates the waters of populism, drawing occasionally on American-style rhetoric, he faces a fine line. His attacks on “elites” and his more combative tone against Trudeau hint at a kind of political mimicry that channels the populist playbook of Trump and his ilk. Yet, Poilievre’s populism is much more subdued than Trump’s chaotic firebrand style. Unlike Trump, Poilievre hasn’t called for drastic measures like building walls or slashing immigration; in fact, his policies on housing and inflation remain fairly traditional, even if dressed up in anti-elite rhetoric.

Analysis: Canada’s polite Trumpism

This leads to an uncomfortable question: when does American-style influence in Canadian politics cross into interference? Poilievre’s populism may appeal to some of the same sentiments as Trump’s base, but Canada’s political system has so far proven more resilient to extremist rhetoric. This is largely because Canadian populism has different roots—focused on regionalism, economic frustration, and cost-of-living concerns—rather than the nativism and cultural battles that define Trumpism.

The heightened rhetoric against undocumented immigrants by global leaders, including Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, underscores concerns about the potential impact on compassionate immigration policies, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that prioritizes both economic interests and humanitarian considerations.

Tuesday December 19, 2023

However, by flirting with Trump’s brand of rhetoric, Canadian politicians risk letting influence blur into interference, especially if it starts shaping policy or public perception in unhealthy ways. After all, what begins as echoing talking points can quickly spiral into real political movements, fuelled by misinformation and division.

So, while Trump’s faucet talk may be nothing more than rhetorical fluff, it’s a reminder that Canadians need to stay vigilant. We can afford to laugh at Trump’s bizarre imagery, but we should be wary of the subtle ways his influence is shaping the tone of our politics. Canada has worked hard to maintain its political independence and resist the kind of far-right extremism that’s taken hold in other Western democracies, but that resilience shouldn’t be taken for granted.

At the end of the day, Trump’s imaginary faucet may never be turned on, but the flood of American political rhetoric, seeping across our borders, shows no signs of stopping. Canadians must be careful not to let that faucet drown out their own democratic values. (AI)

Posted in: Canada, USA Tagged: 2024-17, Canada, diversion, Donald Trump, foreign influence, foreign interference, Pierre Poilievre, populism, rhetoric, USA, water

Tuesday March 7, 2017

March 6, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday March 7, 2017

Trump turns to Congress on wiretap claim, Obama camp denies it, FBI disputes it

President Donald Trump turned to Congress on Sunday for help finding evidence to support his unsubstantiated claim that former president Barack Obama had Trump’s telephones tapped during the election. Obama’s intelligence chief said no such action was ever carried out, and a U.S. official said the FBI has asked the Justice Department to dispute the allegation.

Republican leaders of Congress appeared willing to honour the president’s request, but the move has potential risks for the president, particularly if the House and Senate intelligence committees unearth damaging information about Trump, his aides or his associates.

Trump claimed in a series of tweets without evidence Saturday that his predecessor had tried to undermine him by tapping the telephones at Trump Tower, the New York skyscraper where Trump based his campaign and transition operations, and maintains a home.

Obama’s director of national intelligence, James Clapper, said nothing matching Trump’s claims had taken place.

“Absolutely, I can deny it,” said Clapper, who left government when Trump took office in January. Other representatives for the former president also denied Trump’s allegation. (Source: CBC News) 

 

Posted in: USA Tagged: Barack Obama, bugging, distraction, diversion, Donald Trump, Moscow, Russia, ship, sinking, USA, water skiing, wiretap

Wednesday February 8 2017

February 7, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 8 2017

Why the electoral reform sham will breed cynicism

By killing electoral reform, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has damaged more than just Canada’s prospects for releasing itself from the clutches of moribund first-past-the-post elections. He has cut down the democratic aspirations of hundreds of thousands of young Canadians, tacitly teaching them to expect less from government and dream smaller political dreams.

The most revealing and dangerous aspect of the reform boondoggle was the timing of this announcement, shoehorned into the week of President Donald Trump’s executive orders and travel ban, when so many eyes were transfixed on the American political horror show. Shortly after Gould’s announcement, Trudeau dodged a scrum in the foyer of the House with a drive-by soundbite: “Canadians expect us to do the right thing for the country and focus on the things that matter.”

But the irony of the Prime Minister’s comment is that in the age of Trump, we should be learning that it is democratic integrity and public spirit that matter above just about anything else; that doing the right thing for the country means, at the bare minimum, not blaming citizens themselves when one’s promises can’t be kept.

Conservative commentator David Frum’s startling piece in The Atlantic claims that the primary cause of Donald Trump’s rise has been the “inculcation of cynicism.” He asks how one builds an autocracy and answers: “demoralize potential opponents by nurturing the idea that everybody lies and nothing matters. 

[…] Believers can be disillusioned; people who expect to hear only lies can hardly complain when a lie is exposed.”

We are not yet teetering on the precipice of a maple tea party or Northern Trump. Still, the creeping doubt and disengagement that the electoral reform saga is spawning even now should give the Liberal government reason to pause, get its bearings and rediscover true north on its moral and democratic compass. (Source: MacLean’s) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Canada, complacency, cynicism, diversion, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, map, shadow

Thursday June 23, 2016

June 22, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Thursday June 23, 2016 Waukesha, Wis., plan to tap into Lake Michigan called 'wrong decision' Leamington, Ont., Mayor John Paterson is irate after a group of eight U.S. governors voted Tuesday to allow a small Wisconsin town to draw its drinking water from Lake Michigan. A panel representing governors of the eight states adjoining the Great Lakes unanimously approved a proposal from Waukesha, Wis., which is under a court order to find a solution to radium contamination of its groundwater wells. The city says the project will cost $265 million Cdn for engineering studies, pipelines and other infrastructure.Waukesha is only 27 kilometres from the lake but just outside the Great Lakes watershed. That required the city of about 72,000 to get special permission under the compact, which prohibits most diversions of water across the watershed boundary. Paterson immediately took to Twitter to denounce the decision. His peninsula town, the self-proclaimed Tomato Capital of Canada and home to hundreds of greenhouses, is surrounded by Lake Erie. "This should not be allowed," Paterson told CBC News. "I'm really disappointed it happened. That was unexpected. I actually thought the governor of Michigan was going to side with us. He even bailed.Ó The Michigan Senate adopted a resolution last month opposing Waukesha's request. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder went against that and voted in favour of Waukesha's plan Tuesday. A 2008 pact established a potential exception for communities within counties that straddle the line. Waukesha is the first to request water under that provision. "There are a lot of emotions and politics surrounding this issue, but voting yes Ñ in co-operation with our Great Lakes neighbours Ñ is the best way to conserve one of our greatest natural resources," Snyder said. Snyder also took to social media, to defend his decision.(Source: CBC News) Canada, USA, United States, Great Lakes, water, di

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 23, 2016

Waukesha, Wis., plan to tap into Lake Michigan called ‘wrong decision’

Leamington, Ont., Mayor John Paterson is irate after a group of eight U.S. governors voted Tuesday to allow a small Wisconsin town to draw its drinking water from Lake Michigan.

Marvellous Maps

A panel representing governors of the eight states adjoining the Great Lakes unanimously approved a proposal from Waukesha, Wis., which is under a court order to find a solution to radium contamination of its groundwater wells. The city says the project will cost $265 million Cdn for engineering studies, pipelines and other infrastructure.Waukesha is only 27 kilometres from the lake but just outside the Great Lakes watershed. That required the city of about 72,000 to get special permission under the compact, which prohibits most diversions of water across the watershed boundary.

Paterson immediately took to Twitter to denounce the decision. His peninsula town, the self-proclaimed Tomato Capital of Canada and home to hundreds of greenhouses, is surrounded by Lake Erie.

“This should not be allowed,” Paterson told CBC News. “I’m really disappointed it happened. That was unexpected. I actually thought the governor of Michigan was going to side with us. He even bailed.”

Friday, March 6, 2015The Michigan Senate adopted a resolution last month opposing Waukesha’s request. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder went against that and voted in favour of Waukesha’s plan Tuesday.

A 2008 pact established a potential exception for communities within counties that straddle the line. Waukesha is the first to request water under that provision.

“There are a lot of emotions and politics surrounding this issue, but voting yes — in co-operation with our Great Lakes

neighbours — is the best way to conserve one of our greatest natural resources,” Snyder said.

Snyder also took to social media, to defend his decision.(Source: CBC News)


No profiting for our natural resources

Letter to the Editor Wednesday June 27, 2016, RE: Editorial cartoon, June 22

I would like to thank Graeme MacKay for a very insightful editorial cartoon on the Waukesha request for diversion receiving permission to draw 8.2 million gallons of water per day from Lake Michigan.

Why should we care what’s going on in a town in the U.S. which is seemingly so far away?

Waukesha’s problems today stem back over a century ago when they started treating their natural springs as a “commodity” with private owners capitalizing on what is now a public disaster. Waukesha’s request for Lake Michigan water has been blamed entirely on a depleting aquifer due to increased population pressures. Waukesha’s population is merely 70,000 and interestingly enough is surrounded by water bottling companies (that have remained silent on the issue) that have drilled, along with the town itself, deeper and deeper wells for cleaner sources. Waukesha’s public wells now have high radium deposits and as a result its population has one of the highest cancer rates in the state if not the country.

It is my humble opinion that we have to be more responsible with our water. Like Flint, Michigan, responsible public oversight and policy is the key but even more so we must change our “throwaway culture” and adopt, what Pope Francis pleads for, a “culture of care.” No one should be profiting today from a natural resource while taking away, bit by bit, the future of our grandchildren.

Joseph Baiardo, Mount Hope

 

Posted in: Canada, International, USA Tagged: Canada, conservation, diplomacy, diversion, environment, Great Lakes, United States, USA, water
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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